Having discovered his interest art by that time, Thomas began to hone his skills in drawing and painting. The artist’s formative education took place both in the classroom and more informally in setting such as the tourist district of New Orleans. Thomas “would often walk to the French Quarters to visit with the artists in and around Jackson Square.” He counted among his supporters, several people who mentored him over the course of his career, including Patricia Jessie and Karen Benbeyer Walker.

Thomas attended Xavier University of Louisiana where he struggled financially and academically. However, with the assistance of counselors and his mentor nationally renowned artist John T. Scott, Thomas graduated with a 3.6 GPA. His first solo exhibition took place at the New Orleans Public Library’s main branch, where over 500 guests attended. As the Thomas’s patronage grew, he was hired by the City of New Orleans to create murals underneath the Claiborne Avenue overpass. A socially conscious artist, Thomas reveled in celebrating New Orleans cultural traditions, such as Mardi Gras in his work.

He is a prolific artist whose work can be found throughout the city of New Orleans. The artist’s accolades also include being chosen to create a Jazz Fest poster and serving as host of “the National Conference of Black Artists international conference in which over 400 artists of African descent exhibited throughout the city of New Orleans.” Most notably, Thomas is also highly regarded arts advocate who courageously lobbied local cultural institutions to provide more opportunities for African American artists. “He would go on the road in Louisiana and develop a list of some 200 African-American artist and would share this list with the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Contemporary Art Center, the Arts Council of Greater New Orleans, and many more societies and centers.” Thomas, who taught at McDonough 35, used his platform to develop “Pieces of Power,” an arts organization that mentored high school-aged students.

He also worked with his alma mater, Xavier University of Louisiana, to help facilitate early admission for students of color. Thomas also used his “Pieces of Power” program to help students access pre-professional development experience, go on field trips, and visit galleries and museums. Some of his former mentees, including Terrence Osborne and Keith Scott, are now recognized artists in their own right.

The impact of Hurricane Katrina on the state’s natural resources, brought about a shift in the artist’s work. “He began to create works about the environment through landscapes. awareness of our vanishing wetlands”. Richard Thomas continues to mentor and advocate for the interest of young, up-and-coming artists.